Preference on Valve Cover Gaskets ?
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Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 61
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From: Deatsville Alabama
Preference on Valve Cover Gaskets ?
Hey Guys and Gals, one of the newbies, Rob, here again with the first of probably a long series of questions. It's been quite a long time since I've fooled with any degree of engine maintenance, so I wanted your advice on valve cover gaskets. Do you prefer the cork type, or a rubber gasket ? Should you use any Permatex with a rubber gasket ? The current gaskets on the car are leaking in several places including around the bolts holding the valve covers on (leaking from around the bolts on the outside closest to the fenders, not from the top side near the intake). Is this due to just a worn gasket, or would snugging the bolts down a bit take care of that ? I'm paranoid about bending a valve cover, so I haven't fooled with it yet. Thanks for any advice.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 556
Likes: 3
From: Trafalgar IN
Re: Preference on Valve Cover Gaskets ? (LegalCarry)
Although not a mechanic here is my 2 cents. I like the rubber (Felpro or something like that). They suggest not using any sealer with them and I don't. Regarding tighting the bolts, just use a screwdriver or you will over torque and bend the covers. Also, if they are steel, be sure to use the little metal tab-like thingies to reinforce the actual steel valve cover around the hole. If they are missing, get some.
Hope this helps.
Don't get paranoid about breaking something. If it breaks, it is nothing that money can't fix. If you get too scared, you won't enjoy the car.
[Modified by Rubyred, 1:30 PM 7/27/2002]
Hope this helps.
Don't get paranoid about breaking something. If it breaks, it is nothing that money can't fix. If you get too scared, you won't enjoy the car.
[Modified by Rubyred, 1:30 PM 7/27/2002]
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,484
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From: Northampton Ma
Re: Preference on Valve Cover Gaskets ? (Rubyred)
I put cork ones on after my rebuild, and they leaked, switched to the rubber Felpro ones and haven't had a problem since.
[Modified by Ryan77, 2:32 PM 7/27/2002]
[Modified by Ryan77, 2:32 PM 7/27/2002]
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,734
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From: Southeastern PA
Re: Preference on Valve Cover Gaskets ? (LegalCarry)
Rob...welcome to the forum. I've had a few problems with valve covers (of all things) and I have one suggestion. Use a small wrench on the valve cover bolts and do not overtorque. I found a broken valve cover bolt after I bought my car and it was impossible to remove. It was eventually tapped and threaded. It was the result of overtightening. Do not overtighten. Work from the center of the head towards the sides. My two cents.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,514
Likes: 1
Re: Preference on Valve Cover Gaskets ? (70454)
Another thing to check if your using stamped steel valve covers is how straight the gasket surface is. After a few tightening jobs you might have some high/low spots. If you do have a bent edge a hammer and a flat surface to give it a few light :smash: should fix it. I too used rubber Felpro gasket and so far no leaks.
Scott
Scott
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Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Deatsville Alabama
Re: Preference on Valve Cover Gaskets ? (Scott78)
I bought some Fel-Pro rubber gaskets today and installed. Valve covers were fairly straight, and I was careful not to overtighten, using a small socket wrench. I can't recall the correct name for the product, but they are "tabs" which attach at each bolt, and press down along the edges of the valve covers for a better seal - purchased these also. Have only let the car idle for a bit, but so far so good. Don't anticipate any more leak. Thanks. :cheers:
Rob
Rob
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,041
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From: Wichita, KS
Re: Preference on Valve Cover Gaskets ? (LegalCarry)
How odd. I must not be holding my mouth right. Every rubber gasket I've put on my valve covers has leaked. I use cork and permatex number 2.
I wonder if I'm getting old stock. All of the Fel-Pro gaskets I used felt too hard to seal againt any sort of irregulatity.
I do use force spreaders and check my valve cover gasket surfaces for straightness.
I wonder if I'm getting old stock. All of the Fel-Pro gaskets I used felt too hard to seal againt any sort of irregulatity.
I do use force spreaders and check my valve cover gasket surfaces for straightness.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 9,622
Likes: 16
From: absecon nj
Re: Preference on Valve Cover Gaskets ? (1979toy)
half the problem with sealing issues is irregular surfaces,valve cover bent or warped or the head surface is totally smooth with indentations,i use the extra thick cork fel pro gaskets work fine for me.oh and welcome, its addicting here. :D
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,183
Likes: 2
From: Des Moines Iowa
Re: Preference on Valve Cover Gaskets ? (LegalCarry)
Believe cork is probably best for those who have stamped/steel valve covers which require use of the spreader bars.
Believe the rubber, like felpro work great with aluminum or magnesium solid type valve covers, which came standard on L-82 and L-81 vettes. I have felpro rubber on my L81 with no leaks what so ever..........hint, when using the felpro rubber, make sure your valve cover bolts are not so long that they bottom out in the bolt hole in the head.........the felpro rubber gaskets aren't nearly as thick as some of the cork gaskets I've seen.
Believe the rubber, like felpro work great with aluminum or magnesium solid type valve covers, which came standard on L-82 and L-81 vettes. I have felpro rubber on my L81 with no leaks what so ever..........hint, when using the felpro rubber, make sure your valve cover bolts are not so long that they bottom out in the bolt hole in the head.........the felpro rubber gaskets aren't nearly as thick as some of the cork gaskets I've seen.
